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Make Offer Questions?GR Auto Gallery is pleased to present this gorgeous 1940 Ford Deluxe Resto-Mod Woody Wagon. The car began its life as a 1940 Ford Two Door Sedan from Louisiana. After arriving in Michigan it was disassembled only to find the frame was too rusted to use. A brand new frame with a Chassis Engineering center section and a Heidts Mustang II front end complete with power steering and power brakes were acquired.
To complete the running gear a 1987 Ford 5.0 H.O. engine AOD transmission was installed. This is the computer run fuel injected “speed density” version with the roller cam(not mass airflow) rated at 215 HP. BBK ceramic coated headers lead to Flowmaster mufflers and stainless exhaust tips. It is cooled by a “BeCool” aluminum radiator and electric fan. A limited slip rear end from a Ford Ranger completed the drivetrain.
The hood, front fenders and partial cowl with the dash were retained from the sedan. Treehouse Woodworking in Cocoa Beach, FL was contracted to build a new body using original hard maple wood and patterns from the original 1940 Ford Woody but modified into a two door rather than the original four door.
Treehouse was contracted with a local fiberglass fabricator to replicate the original floor pan and rear fenders of the 1940 Ford Woody so they were also purchased along with the wood body.
Once the floor pan and rear fenders were mounted to the frame the Treehouse body was assembled with the roof (1939 style) connected to the cowl and everything properly fitted together it was taken to Nickels Auto Working in Traverse City, MI. Mike Nickels is renowned for his expertise in old woodies. He agreed to fabricate the doors to match the rest of the body and the cowl. The doors have power windows and power bear claw latches and are mounted “suicide” style with the bear claws in the steel cowl rather than the wood post making them extra secure. The latches are controlled by power solenoids operated by push buttons and also by remotes as is the tailgate. The body is devoid of handles inside and out for a super clean look.
While in Traverse City the wood parts of the car were covered in multiple coats of Marine Spar Varnish that has the UV ingredient for long term protection. Once back home Eaton Body in Charlotte, MI., the rest of the car was sprayed with a base coat of DuPont's Hot Hues “Razzling Red” and multiple coats of clear, color sanded and polished. The engine compartment is fully detailed to match the exterior.
New running boards were installed after coating with “LineX” truck bed material for a durable protective covering. New steel wheels were fitted with BFG tires and original style “Ford Deluxe” hubcaps and ripple trim rings matching the “Briz” ripple front bumper that protects the new grill. The roof was covered with “Hartz” convertible top material in light tan.
The dash is fitted with Auto Meter gauges with the “Ford” logo. A small console between the seats houses the radio with bluetooth to play from your Iphone. Leather seats from an 80's Bravada fit perfectly along with three point seat belts. A GM tilt column with a Banjo steering wheel steers the power steering rack and pinion. A heater only under the dash provides heat and defrost.
LED taillights recessed into the wooden tailgate light the rear and Hello vision plus headlamps with halogen replaceable bulbs in front. LED parking lights in the headlight rims are wired to operate whenever the key is on for daytime running lights.
The Woody was operational in 2013 and how has only 8,600 miles on the odometer. From the first year of operation the Woody has passed the 23 point NSRA safety inspection every year. With front and rear sway bars it runs and drives great.
Accolades are numerous starting with the 2015 AutoRama at Cobo Hall in Detroit where it was awarded First Place in its class. (billed as the largest indoor show in America) It routinely garners “First in Class” or “Best of Show”(sometimes both). Often selected for special awards by the judges or public and draws a crowd wherever it goes. This exceptional in every aspect and is ready for its next owner.